Death In Paradise announces replacement for Ralf Little as big-name EastEnders star
Death in Paradise has revealed the next lead to replace Ralf Little on the BBC show - and he's a familiar face to EastEnders fans.
The series announced on Thursday that Don Gilet, 57 - who famously played serial killer Lucas Johnson on EastEnders - would become the new star of Death in Paradise. He'll make his debut in the show's feature-length Christmas special this December.
Don is taking on the role of Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, who arrives on the idyllic island of Saint Marie from London - and isn't too impressed with his new home. After being introduced in the Christmas special, Mervin will star in a brand new series next year.
Speaking about his new exciting role, Don said that it feels like "a deeply loved and incredibly precious jewel" has been placed in his hands.
"This is a big show, with a big heart and the love continually grows for it. It is my intention to never lose sight of that and to remain grateful, humbled and dedicated.
"Even during those testing times when every sinew is screaming at me to run off the set and dive into the sea, swimming pool or an ice-cold beer – whichever happens to be closer at the time!"
Meanwhile, executive producer Tim Key said that the team is "delighted" and can't wait for Don to begin "another exciting new era".
"We’ve got huge plans for the new series and beyond, and I can’t wait for the audience to meet Mervin and to see what we’ve got in store," he added.
Filming on the Christmas special began recently in Guadeloupe, with Don joining stars Don Warrington, Shantol Jackson, Ginny Holder, Élizabeth Bourgine and Danny John-Jules in the cast.
In EastEnders, Don played Lucas Johnson, joining the show for two years in 2008. He went on to return in 2016, 2020 and most recently this year, in a scene where Lucas' ex-wife Denise (Diane Parish) visited him in prison.
Aside from the soap, Don has starred in BBC sitcom Babyfather, 2004 drama 55 Degrees North, Netflix drama The Stranger and most recently, Jason Statham thriller The Beekeeper.
Don will be Death in Paradise's fifth lead in 13 years, with four other actors - including Ralf Little - coming before him. Ben Miller originated the role in 2011, before being replaced by Beyond Paradise star Kris Marshall in series three.
Father Ted's Ardal O'Hanlon took over in series six before Ralf Little became he lead in series nine.
Death in Paradise returns at Christmas on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
